A DUNDONALD woman is taking strides to help research for Dementia by running in this year’s Virgin Money London Marathon.

Ruth Farrell, 38, is stretching to make a difference surrounding Dementia research by running the iconic 26.2-mile race in a bid raise as much money as possible for the cause.

With the race on Sunday April 28, Ruth has a few months to continue training for the legendary run, with the money she raises going to the Dementia Revolution.

The Dementia Revolution is a special one-year campaign from Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK, who have joined forces as Charity of the Year for the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon.

The campaign is raising money for the most ambitious dementia research endeavour the UK has ever seen – the UK Dementia Research Institute.

Ruth is aiming to raise £1000 for the combined charity, and has so far raised over £400.

She said: “A marathon is something that I’ve always wanted to do. I got the opportunity through my work to have my name put into a ballot to win a place in the race.

“The charity was already pre-determined but I have got and have had family members impacted by dementia so it’s a cause that is very close to me anyway – it’s worked out well.

“I’ve been running for two years and up until now I’ve covered a half marathon, so this will be my longest run.

“I train between three and four times a week, with one of my runs continuously getting longer until its up to a full marathon distance.

“I’ve been told to stick to my running. Basically I’ve been told if I do that then the marathon itself is just like a lap of honour. If I did it in five to five and a half hours I’d be absolutely delighted.”

Ruth, who works for Clydesdale Bank, entered a ballot of 45 people to get the chance to participate in the famous event.

She is hosting a quiz night at the 86 Social Club, Troon on Saturday 16th March 2019.

Tickets cost £10 per person and those interested in attending should contact ruth.farrell@outlook.com for more information.

Nina Ziaullah, Dementia Revolution Campaign Manager, said: “Dementia is the biggest health threat facing society and there are currently no effective treatments to slow, prevent or cure it.

“Today, almost a million people are living with dementia in the UK, but dementia is not a lost cause. With the help of our amazing runners we can and will end it with research.

“On marathon day we will have the largest ever team of runners raising funds for dementia research.

“We can’t thank them enough for making a stand with us and joining the charge toward a cure.”

You can sponsor Ruth by visiting https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RuthFarrell